The City’s Recreation and Parks Department has called  on residents across the metro to assist in the control and containment of Hedera spp (specifically Hedera canariensis and Hedera helix), commonly known as English Ivy or Ivy, which is a creeping and climbing invasive plant that poses a serious threat to the local environment.

It was originally introduced from Europe to South Africa as a groundcover and ornamental climber. However, in Cape Town, the City says its rapid spread has literally made it a growing problem in both public and private spaces.

While the City is actively managing Ivy infestations in public spaces, it has called for community awareness and action to ensure its successful control.

The Ivy is listed as a Category 3 invasive species under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA) (Act 10 of 2004) regulations and must be managed accordingly. In sensitive or riparian areas, its status escalates to Category 1b, requiring control.

If left unmanaged, Ivy can smother and cause dieback, blocking the sunlight and subsequently adding weight to a distressed tree, often resulting in collapse; increase wind damage risk in open areas; outcompete and displace local plants, and damaging biodiversity.

Now that it is winter, Ivy’s dormant phase, there is an opportunity to control or remove this plant.

Here’s how you can help:

1. Report overgrowth in public spaces by logging a service request via the City’s C3 system. This helps Recreation and Parks staff prioritise treatment.
2. Log sightings on the iNaturalist app and website to help the City track infestations.
3. Remove Ivy safely at home:

• Manually pull out the Ivy stems and roots. The stems can be removed from the ground of a standing tree. Upper vines can be left to rot since they will die if they are not rooted.
• Follow up regularly to remove any new growth.
• Apply appropriate control methods to remove/control the infestation of Hedera spp. in persistent cases.
• Dispose responsibly – never dump trimmings in natural areas where Ivy can re-root and spread.

The City says a good option is to dry the vine clippings on a tarp (plastic or canvas sheet) or a paved surface, then shred them.

Another method is to put the vines in black trash bags and leave them in the sun for several weeks, until they’ve ‘cooked’ enough to be non-viable.

The MMC for Community Services and Health, Francine Higham:

‘Help the City beautify its parks and public open spaces by removing Ivy from your garden and reporting it where it grows in Public Open Spaces. We urge residents to take action this winter while the plant is dormant. If we all do our part, we can protect our urban forests and biodiversity. Let’s work together to stop the spread.’